Dubai Must-See Attractions

From Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah: Dubai’s Must-see Attractions

Dubai is one of those cities that must be seen to be believed. Record-breaking architecture stands alongside traditional quarters, while exclusive man-made islands jut out of the coastline. Here are the top places to tick of your sightseeing list when you’re in town.

Burj Khalifa | A sky-high experience

Standing at an eye-watering 828 metres high, the Burj Khalifa is hard to miss. The tallest building on the planet naturally dominates the Dubai skyline, but the true majesty of the building is best appreciated up close – or, even better, from inside. On a clear day, the view from the observation deck on level 125 is absolutely stunning, bettered only by that of the view from the luxurious At The Top Sky Lounge on the 148th floor. And for those who would like to linger for a meal in the clouds, At.mosphere lounge on level 122 is the place to be.

The Dubai Mall | A mini metropolis

Just a hop, skip and a jump from Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Mall. To call the sprawling development merely a shopping mall is doing it a massive disservice. Even an entire day spent here isn't enough to see it all. As well as its more than 1,200 shops and 150 restaurants, the venue is also home to: an indoor theme park; an ice rink; a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton; a huge indoor waterfall; a luxury hotel; a choreographed fountain bigger than the one at Las Vegas’ Bellagio; and a giant aquarium and underwater zoo, featuring sharks, stingrays, penguins and many more exotic animals.

Palm Jumeirah | The impossible island 

A man-made island in the shape of a palm tree - only in Dubai would such an idea even be considered, let alone come to fruition despite naysayers declaring such a concept wouldn’t be possible. But here it stands, one of the largest artificial islands in the world and a triumph of human ingenuity. Boasting a vast array of high-end hotels - including the Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont, One & Only, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and, perhaps most notably, the iconic Atlantis – the development is a hotbed for luxurious beachside accommodation. And getting there couldn't be easier, with a monorail running up and down the 'trunk', which connects to the mainland's tram system.

Dubai Creek | Step back in time

Dubai may be famous for the glitz and glamour of its sky-high towers, but the real heart of the city is, and always will be, the Creek. The saltwater estuary is the original site where the Bani Yas tribe settled in the 19^th century, and its waters were vital for what used to be Dubai's main forms of economy: pearl diving and fishing. Today, the area is awash with the history of the emirate, as it is home to the Dubai Museum, as well as the labyrinthine alleyways of the gold, spice and textile souks in Deira. While at the Creek, a ride across the water on a traditional abra is a must – and at an unbelievably cheap one dirham per person for a one-way ticket, it's easily the best-value tourist attraction in the city.

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) | Walk The Walk 

For lovers of sun, sea and sand, a visit to Jumeirah Beach Residence is a must when stopping through Dubai. An almost two-kilometre-long stretch of pure white sands with The Walk - a row of cafes, restaurants and shops - running perpendicular to it, it's no surprise that JBR is always buzzing with activity. The area was made even better recently, as new development, The Beach, was completed. With 45 cafes and restaurants set across four distinct plazas, as well as a purpose-built running track, kids' water park and even an open-air beach cinema, JBR now has something for everyone.